Permits and Regulations
© Parks Canada / S. Donker
Backcountry Permits
All overnight trips into Kluane National Park & Reserve require a backcountry permit. Fees apply.
Registration is mandatory. During the summer operating season (Victoria Day long weekend through Labour Day) you can register at the Da Kų Cultural Centre or at the Tachäl Dhäl (Sheep Mountain) Visitor Centre. During the off-season self-register at the Da Kų Cultural Centre.
Deregistration
Upon completing a trip, hikers must check back in with the park. If you fail to deregister you may be financially responsible for the search for your group. Checking back in also allows park staff to gain current information on the area you were using.
Bear-Resistant Food Canisters
Bear resistant food canisters are mandatory on ALL overnight backcountry trips in the Park between April 1 and November 15.
Bear resistant food canisters are provided free-of charge with registration. A $100 damage deposit (credit card or cash) is required and will be refunded once the canister is returned.
Campfires
In most cases your backcountry permit will allow a campfire but camp stoves are preferred. Campfires may be restricted at certain times during the season or never allowed in some areas.
If you use a fire, try to build it in an area free of vegetation and on sand or gravel and then scatter evidence when you leave. Do not leave developed fire rings. Fire pits are often visible for years, especially in fragile areas.
Area Closures
Areas may be temporarily closed for safety or environmental reasons. Important Bulletins
Reducing Your Impact
- When possible, try to tent on a site that is free of vegetation such as sand or fine gravel and do not cut vegetation for shelters.
- Drain wash water (strain out food) into soil that is well away from lakes and streams and keep the use of soap (even biodegradable soap) to a minimum.
- Use facilities wherever they exist. When there are none nearby, select a spot at least 50m away from water sources, and away from the trails and camping sites. Dig a small hole and cover it with soil afterward. Pack out used toilet paper or burn it if the fire hazard is low.
- On established trails travel single file and stay on the trail. When hiking off-trail try to avoid fragile areas and spread out if possible. "Shortcutting" between trail switchbacks damages both the soil and plant life, leaving the area more susceptible to further erosion damage.
- Follow a "pack in, pack out" policy, taking out all supplies and/or garbage taken in.